Dancing on the golden ashes

I pushed the tall wooden door open, and what lay inside made me feel like I had stepped into a science fiction movie. Wow, how the hell did they make this?

My eyes were met with flashing lights and walls made entirely of metal—or at least something that looked like it. The exterior had been a complete misdirection, cleverly concealing the high-tech laboratory inside. This place felt like a spaceship. As I walked through the narrow passage, the pulsating lights made me feel a little overwhelmed.

At the end of the passage, which sloped downward as far as I could tell, stood a metal door with a keypad next to it. Yes... a freaking keypad. In this world, people were already developing advanced technology. Could they not have waited another hundred or two hundred years so we could at least get a break from all this loud machinery? Well, I guess it's not that bad, right?

How wrong I was. Now, I understood why Seong-Hoon had smiled at me like that.

The moment I reached the door, it slid open on its own. There were probably hidden cameras watching me. Great... This place is cool and all, but I have a feeling it's going to be a problem to control later on. As time goes by, this place might transform into something unrecognizable within the next ten years... of course, that's if we even survive the next battle.

I stepped inside, and the next moment, I saw dozens of people scattered across the massive room, sitting around what seemed to be self-crafted computers and machinery assisting them with their research. It was amazing.

Wait... if they've already made computers... could... No, no, no, Gaon, control yourself. You're past the gaming phase... Ugh… I want to play something. It's been too long… I guess you could call it an addiction, but why wouldn't I be a little selfish sometimes? Why not ask someone to create a game for me? Just something to play while I'm resting… right... why not…

"Empress!"

Suddenly, my thoughts were interrupted by a sharp gasp—a soft, young voice, almost trembling with excitement. It sounded like a teenage girl.

Was it her? Ryu Chae-rin?

I turned toward the source of the voice, but there was nothing. It was as if the person had disappeared in an instant. Yet, the brief outburst had broken the trance of the entire room. The researchers, too engrossed in their work moments ago, now stiffened, their gazes darting toward me.

Then, as if responding to an unspoken command, men and women alike dropped to their knees.

I stood there, awkwardly, as the weight of their sudden reverence settled over me.

"No, no, no. Please rise. You don't need to kneel every single time you see me..." I said, a slight hint of panic in my voice.

The group exchanged uncertain glances. I bet they imagined me to be some kind of tyrannical ruler—haha. Is it my appearance? Well, I'm kinda growing fond of this tail and all.

I wagged it slightly, and sure enough, their eyes locked onto it.

Bingo! I got them.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to eat you—haha," I joked, hoping to lighten the mood.

Silence.

No one laughed.

Oh… god… Why me…

Fine, fine. I can do this.

Clearing my throat, I straightened up. "Thank you for working so hard. Ahem. Please continue your efforts—I can't wait to see where your creations take this empire. I'm proud of every single one of you."

That seemed to settle the tension a little. Good.

"I only came here to meet someone named Ryu Chae-rin. Do you know her?" My voice cut through the lingering awkwardness.

I could see their eyes light up after just a little praise.

Do they really think so highly of me? I'm just a simple human like them. I'm not that special for them to look up to me.

One by one, they stood up.

"Yes, Empress, of course, we know Master Ryu Chae-rin. She is in her office. If you wish to reach her, you need to go through that door."

One of them pointed toward a small door—one that couldn't have been more than 150 centimeters tall.

…They must be kidding me.

I forced myself to keep a straight face, swallowing my displeasure.

I'm still okay… right…? This is fine.

All for the sake of the empire.

A little suffering for the greater good…

"Thank you so much. Umm... could you remind me of your name?"

It really wasn't my fault—I swear. I simply didn't have time to remember every single person living in Luminara City. There were too many new arrivals every single day…

The middle-aged man's face lit up like a flower blooming in spring after a long winter.

"Kim Sung-Ho, Empress!" he shouted enthusiastically, his voice brimming with pride and joy.
Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire

"Thank you once again, Mr. Kim Sung-Ho. Please keep up the good work. I know that soon, you'll surprise me with a great new invention."

They were simple words, but to him, they probably meant a lot—especially with how stressful these days had been.

I took my leave and squeezed myself through the narrow, ridiculously small door.

Inside, the room was a mess—trash scattered across the floor, clutter piled up in every corner. And there, huddled in the shadows, was a young girl, trying her best to hide.

She probably thought my eyes wouldn't catch her instantly.

How cute...

I smiled. "Is this Ryu Chae-rin's workshop?"

I had considered teasing her a little longer, just to see her act more like a startled rabbit, but I felt bad and decided to get straight to the point.

Which, in return… only made her faint.

…

What the hell is this…?

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but one thing was certain—I was now stuck in this room. At least it was spacious. In the distance, several metal structures stood tall, their sleek designs unmistakably resembling cannons.

Well... at least I can study these until she wakes up.

I crossed my arms, already plotting my revenge. That damn Eun-Woo and Seong-Hoon… I'll end them when I see them. They'll have to do a thousand tasks for me every single day…